Pet Health Certificates

Pet health certificates are required for pets traveling both domestically within the United States and internationally. We’re happy to assist you with your pet’s health certificate, but the associated paperwork can take several weeks to process.

Different countries have different travel criteria, so we’ll need to determine exactly what you’ll need and what requirements you’ll have to meet in order for your pet to travel with you.

Start planning at least two months in advance for domestic travel and four months in advance for international travel. If rabies titers are required, i.e. Hawaii, Australia, etc., it is likely that you may need more time for planning and testing. Please check requirements for both interstate and international travel at aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel.

When you bring your pet in for a travel health certificate, there are a few things that we will look out for:

• Your pet is strong and healthy enough to travel or fly
• Your pet does not currently have disease
• Your pet is fully up to date or required vaccinations

If you’re traveling by car, you should carry your pet’s vaccine history, their most current rabies certificate, and a veterinarian issued pet health certificate that includes information about their most recent wellness exam.

If you’re planning to fly, research the specific airline you plan to use. Some airlines have their own requirements while others defer to those issued by the destination state or country.

Important questions to ask your airline might include:

• What are your pet travel policies?
• Do you offer fleet cargo space for large pets? Will this affect which flights I can book?
• Are small pets allowed in the cabin area?
• Do you have specific pet carrier requirements?
• What are your pick up and drop off policies for pets?
• How do you handle layovers when there are pets on board?

Bear in mind that only USDA certified veterinarians are able to issue international health certificates.

When you schedule your appointment, please let us know where and when you’re planning to travel, so we can properly address your needs.

Interested in additional information? Check out this USDA resource.